Sube quailed before his father's accusing stare and his more accusing gestures. "I guess I hurt it, didn't I?" he mumbled defensively. "And didn't I have to put some'pm on it? And that was the only linimunt—"
"Liniment!" snorted Mr. Cane. "Where did you ever get any such 'liniment' as that?"
"Sir?— Why, out of a bottle," Sube managed to squirm out at last.
"Out of a bottle, eh? Well, bring me the bottle!"
Sube half started for the door, then halted. "I can't," he whimpered.
"Can't? Why not?" demanded his father.
"'Cause I dropped it and broke it," Sube faltered.
Mr. Cane was obviously relieved. "Oh, well," he said, "if that's the case, never mind. But just as soon as one hour has elapsed I want you to take a good hot bath. Now don't forget it!"
As Sube uttered a scowling but respectful "No, sir," and started to leave the room his father noticed for the first time that he was limping badly.